2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Subaru Outback MOT pass rate and common faults

280 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 280 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working12.1%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.4%
    17 marked dangerous
  3. Stop lamp: not working5.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.9%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.9%
  7. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.5%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics30.4%
  2. Suspension16.4%
  3. Brakes16.1%
  4. Body & chassis8.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.1%
  6. Tyres5.0%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  8. Steering1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn20.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Subaru Outback?

In 2024, 63.2% of 2012 Subaru Outback cars passed their MOT first time, across 280 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Subaru Outback?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Subaru Outback reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).